#IndiaInAustralia: After Perth, MCG's pitch rated average by ICC
What's the story
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the MCG pitch as 'average'. This throws weight on the point made by Australian skipper Tim Paine, post the third Test match against India. Paine was disappointed with the kind of pitches being prepared in this Test series. Prior to this Test, the Perth pitch had also received an average rating. Here's more.
MCG
MCG's bid to host matches receives a boost
According to a report in Sydney Morning Herald, the rating by ICC was revealed on Tuesday. The MCG is often the preferred venue for the Boxing Day Test in Australia. India beat Australia by 137 runs at the MCG and took a 2-1 lead in the series. Fortunately, the average rating means that MCG has escaped losing the international status.
Demerit points
2018 Ashes Test saw MCG receive three demerit points
The MCG had received three demerit points after the drawn Ashes Test, last year. The match had witnessed more than 1,000 runs being scored, with just 24 wickets falling over a period of five days. MCG got three demerit points last year but the average rating saved them. Notably, a ground doesn't get any demerit point, if it is rated average by the ICC.
MCG pitch
Why was the MCG track under scanner?
As per the rules stated by ICC, a venue loses international status if it bears a total of five demerit points over a rolling five-year period. The MCG track was under the scanner after India took nearly two days to get to 443 runs. Cheteshwar Pujara, who notched his slowest career ton, had stated that the pitch was difficult to bat on.
Information
MCG pitch missed the usual bounce and pace
The pitch saw its nature change after Day two. It became more lively. MCG has always been a happy hunting ground for Australia. But this time, one thing that was missing here was the quick Australian surface that assists bounce and pace.